Xu Qiu’er looked at Xiao Ju’s face and demanded, “How did Consort Ye die?”
The imperial doctors knelt, sweating. One stepped forward. “Responding to the Crown Princess… the cause of death is unclear…”
“Unclear cause of death? For a favored consort?” Xu Qiu’er exclaimed. “What are you all doing? How can you not know who is behind her death?”
At this moment, she seemed more like an empress than a crown princess. The Old Buddha intervened, “Enough. We’ll investigate.”
Breaking free from Hao Li’s support, Xu Qiu’er knelt before the Emperor. “Imperial Father, you must seek justice for Consort Ye!”
The Emperor kept his eyes closed while holding Ye Fei. “You can all leave now.”
“Qiu’er…”
Xu Qiu’er paused as Guan Yue and Cang Yue retreated. Hao Li caught up, grabbing her arm. “Qiu’er…”
Feeling desolate, Xu Qiu’er thought, What in this world can still be trusted? Wasn’t the person she loved most deceiving her? It was all just a performance. She pushed Hao Li away coldly. “Young Prince, please maintain propriety. There are boundaries between men and women.”
Hao Li frowned, “Qiu’er, I know you’re angry with me.”
Xu Qiu’er smiled faintly, “Hao Li, we can never go back. Do you understand?” She turned and left, leaving him speechless.
Suddenly remembering something, Xu Qiu’er sat up in bed and ordered Guan Yue to find the pearl necklace in Xiao Ju’s palace. They returned without it, which troubled her. How could it be missing? Her eyes widened with rage. Xiao Ju was killed by her.
Everything was a coincidence. Xiao Ju could have lived, but because Xu Qiu’er wanted her to place the necklace at the Emperor’s feet, she had killed her. She hadn’t expected there would be her own people around Xiao Ju. Xu Qiu’er was furious that her momentary carelessness had led to the death of someone like family. She narrowed her eyes, knowing this was not the end.
“Prepare a sedan chair.”
“Your Highness, where are you going?”
“The Crown Prince’s palace.”
Guan Yue stopped, and Xu Qiu’er lowered her eyes, “Guan Yue, you must decide who you’re loyal to – me or the Young Prince. You can only choose one.”
